# Lotus 58 Glow - Fully built (Pair) Mechanical Keyboard Kit - Lotus 58 Glow PCB (Fully built pair) - **Seller:** [Tweety's Wild Thinking](https://lectronz.com/stores/tweetys-wild-thinking), Skurup, Skane lan, Sweden - **Price:** $99.00 (USD, before shipping and taxes) - **Availability:** Retired, no longer sold - **Categories:** Arduino, USB, Kits - **HS code:** 85340090 - **Product page:** https://lectronz.com/products/lotus-58-glow-built-pair ## Links - [Documentation](https://github.com/TweetyDaBird/Lotus58/wiki) - [Code](https://github.com/qmk/qmk_firmware) - [Design Files](https://github.com/TweetyDaBird/Lotus58) - [Schematics](https://github.com/TweetyDaBird/Lotus58) - [Bom](https://github.com/TweetyDaBird/Lotus58) ## Images ![Lotus 58 Glow - Fully built (Pair)](https://lectronz-images.b-cdn.net/lectronz/active_storage/representations/proxy/eyJfcmFpbHMiOnsiZGF0YSI6MTQ5OTUsInB1ciI6ImJsb2JfaWQifX0=--91f9778a14e244d0a680832acccad3aaa954fcce/eyJfcmFpbHMiOnsiZGF0YSI6eyJmb3JtYXQiOiJKUEVHIiwicmVzaXplX3RvX2xpbWl0IjpbOTYwLDY0MF0sInNhdmVyIjp7InN0cmlwIjp0cnVlfX0sInB1ciI6InZhcmlhdGlvbiJ9fQ==--530f7af2cb231bf785714ddfcea4fe566bed7471/IMG_2093.JPEG) ## Description # ~~Build~~ your own ergonomic keyboard! ## This listing is for a fully built & tested pair This pair was built by me to a customers specification, and returned/never delivered due to a shipping/payment issue/dispute. Being already fully built, it is offered **as-is** with little option for further customization. #### Plerase note that this was a one-off, and will NOT re-stock on any regular intervall. It will be kept as an active product to sell prototypes/one-off etc. If you want a built keyboard, add up the parts and a build fee, and I will certainly build you one! - USB C link, the PCB's are v1.30 (meaning you _need_ a USB 2.0 compatible link cable) - One OLED (Left hand), one encoder (Right hand) - Per key RGB, (no Glow offered as this version PCB has no switch) soldered and tested. - No reset switch currently added for a clean install in a 3D printed case (added at no cost per request). - Socketed [Frood rev5 controller](https://42keebs.eu/shop/parts/controllers/frood-rp2040-pro-micro-controller/) with 2 MB flash memory This is fully built, ready to assemble into a case (PCB plates or 3D printed) and use. It comes pre-flashed with Vial, making it easy to assign keys etc. ### Lotus 58 Glow is a fully programmable split keyboard that can be tented/tilted/oriented to suit your needs. **Main Features:** - Lotus features 58 keys, with a 4x6 main matrix and 4+1 thumb-keys per hand (56 normal keys with encoders on lower position). - Lotus supports one Rotary encoder and one OLED per hand. - Designed with a [Sandwich-style plate/case](https://lectronz.com/products/lotus-58-glow-sandwich-case) as part of the design and with [3D printed cases](https://github.com/TweetyDaBird/Lotus-Cases) as added options. - Lotus can easily be used as a 'normal' split keyboard for typing and work, or with either hand separate as a dedicated gamepad/Gaming keyboard. - Lotus is fully [QMK](https://docs.qmk.fm/#/) and [VIAL](https://get.vial.today/) compatible, with every aspect of it being programmable. - Kaihl Hot-swap sockets for Cherry MX compatible switches.* - Hands are connected using serial link (TRRS or USB type C) with support for ESD protection.** **Build Features:** - Main components are either through-hole or large and easily soldered SMD (RGB & Hotswap Sockets) suitable for beginners (Some smaller SMD components are needed for the USB type C version). - Each hand uses an Pro Micro Arduino clone as the controller (Pro Micro or pin equivalent). - The PCB design is reversible, making the PCB for both hands identical for lower cost. - Full build instructions are printed on the PCB for an easy build. **Optional Features (Requiring additional parts):** - Optional [OLED Screen](https://lectronz.com/products/oled-display-0-91-128x32-blue) (one per hand). - Optional [Rotary Encoder](https://lectronz.com/products/rotary-encoder-ec11-pushbutton) (one per hand). - Optional [RGB Glow](https://lectronz.com/products/rgb-led-sk68xx-mini-e) (6 pcs) - Suitable as background lighting, and can be used as a layer indicator or similar. - Optional [Per key RGB](https://lectronz.com/products/rgb-led-sk68xx-mini-e) (29 pcs) - Multiple effects supported in QMK & Vial. - Optional [Slide switch](https://lectronz.com/products/small-slide-switch-msk-12c02) to switch between Glow or Key RGB as currently active.*** **Physical dimensions (LxB): 145x115 mm** Case height 11-13mm, Height with caps/encoder ~35mm '* Please note that Lotus supports **only** Cherry MX type switches (3 & 5 pin), **NOT** Kaihl Choc, as they require a different PCB design. ** The ESD protection is optional/extra on the TRRS version, but neccesary and included on the USB type C version. *** Having both Glow and Key RGB active at the same time can easily overpower the controller/USB ports ability to deliver power if a too high brightness is set. Without the switch, a soldered jumper selects the type of RGB used. # ~~Two~~ main versions #### Lotus 58 Glow comes in two main version, both with the same layout options and main features. | Feature | TRRS link | USB type C link | | :-------- | :-------- | :-------- | | Hot-plug connections | **NOT SUPPORTED!** (See below) | Full support | | Support for Wireless Builds | Battery Connection/Switch | No support | | Beginner friendly soldering | SMD optional (ESD) | Limited SMD required (USB/ESD) | | Select active RGB (Glow / Per-Key) | External switch | External switch | | Easily accessible reset switch | Supported | Supported | | Universal Case-plates | Supported | Supported | | 3D-printed case | Dedicated version | Dedicated version | | Current version (Change Log) | [v1.29](https://github.com/TweetyDaBird/Lotus-Keyboard/blob/release/Lotus%2058%20Classic/change%20log.md) | [v1.41](https://github.com/TweetyDaBird/Lotus-Keyboard/blob/release/Lotus%2058%20USB-C/change%20log.md) | ## USB type C link ##### USB type C link, allowing hot-plugging. **The more modern USB type C link offers care-free hot-plugging**, you can simply unplug or plug the two hands together without risking any damage with the keyboard fully powered from the computer USB cable. The small downside is that the components needed are of SMD type, meaning it is slightly less beginner friendly to solder. **The USB type C port is designed into the keyboard to be as fool-proof as possible**, and if you by accident plug it into a host port (computer or USB hub), it simply means nothing happens! No device is detected, and no power is applied.* To link the two hands you need a standard USB type C to type C cable. '* Connecting powered hubs with questionable standards adherence, keyboards and possibly multiple computers together in entriely non-standard ways can still cause power loops, and damage to components, user beware! # What do you need to buy? **You can buy _most_ parts for a full functioning keyboard in this listing or as additional components in this store.** You will however need to add switches, key-caps and colored/sleeved cables of your choice from other sources, as it would be impossible for me to stock a reasonable selection of what the market can offer. #### Required Accessories - Key Switches, Cherry MX compatible (29 pcs / PCB, 58 pcs total) - Key Caps, Cherry MX compatible (Set) - Cable linking the two hands ([TRRS](https://lectronz.com/products/trrs-cable-coiled-black) or USB type C) - USB cable to your computer (Connector types depend on the controller and computer port) ## The Sandwich Case #### Lotus 58 Glow is designed as a complete keyboard with a [sandwich style case](https://lectronz.com/products/lotus-58-glow-sandwich-case) of the same FR4 fibreglass material as the PCB. The FR4 fibreglass plates used are quite stiff and give a good intermediate feel for keyboards, making it the ideal low cost material for a case. **The 'case plates' are available in black or white, with multiple options based on your choice of layout.** **Please Note!** You do infact **need** a case of some kind, as being hot-swap compatible the front plate helps hold the switches in place, and without the plate, they will very easily come undone. You can however 3D print your own case, or have plates made in whatever material you desire. All the information required for this can be found on the GitHub page. # Build Guide & Firmware ## Required Tools **While better (and possibly more) tools often make the build experience easier and more enjoyable, this article lists the most basic tools that you actually _will_ need.** [A Beginner's Guide to Soldering Equipment](https://lectronz.com/u/tweetybird/articles/a-beginner-s-guide-to-soldering-equipment) ## Build Guide **The PCB has most of the needed build instructions printed on the silkscreen, and you can likely build the entire keyboard from these!** If you however need more detailed instructions, please refer to the GitHub link to Documentation below. **If ever the instructions in the build guide and the instructions on the silkscreen are different, the version on your actual PCB is what are in fact relevant for your version!** ## Firmware ### QMK Using basic QMK for your keyboard is the most versatile and powerful option, but requires a bit more effort and/or knowledge to make more advanced options work. Lotus 58 is part of QMK's main fork and the firmware can be built from there, following QMK's guides. **The most recent iteration of this firmware is available for use a template/starting point [here](https://github.com/TweetyDaBird/qmk_firmware).** ### VIAL [VIAL](https://get.vial.today), a fork of QMK allowing interactive [key-remapping](https://vial.rocks/) without flashing a new firmware is the more beginner friendly option and a great starting point. The GitHub repository for the firmware, is available [here](https://github.com/TweetyDaBird/vial-qmk), and can be customized to your own preference. ## Shipping policy Normal handling time is 3-5 working days (Predominantly done on weekends). Build items usually take 1-2 weeks. All packages are represented to the courier/customs at their true value, and all responsibility for import fees and taxes resulting thereof lies with the buyer. DDP is applied where available. Please note that when selecting a shipping option clearly marked as ‘uninsured’ or without tracking, you accept the responsibility for packages lost in transit. All items are sold with a 24-month limited warranty, as per (2011/83/EU). Shipping of items returned for repair or replacement is solely the responsibility of the buyer. (This includes taxes and/or customs fees resulting from incorrect/incomplete shipping documentation.) The SE "Act on Distance Contracts and Off-Premises Contracts" (SFS 2005:59) & The EU "The Distance Selling Directive" (97/7/EC) allow returns initiated within 14 days of receiving the item. Shipping of returned items is solely the responsibility of the buyer. Please note that in the case of kits with multiple components, warranty to the individual components cannot be applied to the resulting build, and does not cover physical damage from incorrect soldering or handling by the end user. Please test active components (controllers) and initiate a warranty claim for manufacturing defects BEFORE you start to solder them!